Blueberry industry stakeholders in New Zealand will converge in Hawke's Bay for the New Zealand Blueberry field days, following a significant theft at a family-owned orchard. The event, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, will see participation from growers, exporters, and suppliers.
Marion Hirst of Bay Blueberries, which experienced a substantial theft of its crop in January, will conduct a workshop focusing on security measures. Hirst plans to share insights on safeguarding operations through a field walk. She points out the recurring issue of theft in the fruit-growing sector, referencing a prior incident in 2021 involving stolen strawberries. Despite efforts, the police have not progressed due to insufficient evidence.
Post-theft, Bay Blueberries has enhanced security with improved alarms, cameras, and lighting. The field days aim to facilitate learning and networking among growers, particularly after the harvest season. The event also supports the Hawke's Bay region and its growers post-Cyclone Gabrielle. Kelvin Bezuidenhout, Chairman of Blueberries New Zealand, emphasizes the event's focus on technical knowledge transfer, pest and disease management, and exploring cross-sectoral learnings with other horticulture businesses.
Source: nzherald.co.nz